Is NICU for the soft-hearted sensitive types?

tralalaRN · Jan 20, 2011

If you do go into the NICU, please realize that your skills in dealing with the parents' grief and terror is going to be a huge thing. It's not just about taking care of babies. Best thing I can recommend as a parent who spent 5 months in the NICU with preemie twins. .(RN came later), get the book "Baby At Risk" by Ruth Levy Guyer. It is balanced and an excellent portrayal of this population. It's available on Amazon. It's not just about the "miracle baby" mentality which seems to prevail in the hospital PR depts and media. There is a very different reality waiting for many of us parents in the aftermath of hurricane NICU.

Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · Jan 20, 2011

Moved to NICU nursing forum

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Jan 20, 2011

Ah, good question! You have to be able to let somethings go...you are going to be yelled at by parents, you are going to have kids that you know aren't going to make it, but yet we are doing all these things to them because the parents want us too, you have to be able to take criticism well because you will be criticized by parents and yes, some staff. It is a place where you have to grow a tough skin, but still stay sensitive to things.

I precepted a gal that was sensitive...she cried over everything! I finally told her to buck up or I wasn't going to pass her thru orientation...you can't keep leaving to cry because you had to do something painful to a baby or because a parent doesn't like how you made a bed or because I told you that you need to pick up the pace because we are behind. She did. I tease her to this day about crying lol 10 years later she is one of the strongest nurses I have on my shift. So, you don't know.

Have you shadowed in a unit? I suggest that you do that before you accept a job in there and see how you feel.

It is hard to go from adults to NICU...it is a new way of thinking and some people don't make it.

gibson0726 · Jan 20, 2011

Before I ever dreamed of going to nursing school, I knew I wanted to do NICU. When I told my mom this she told me, "You can't handle that. You're too sensitive and babies die." Being as my mother is always right, I listened to her when I started nursing school and decided to pursue OR nursing instead. Once I had my OR day, I knew my heart didn't belong there. The next semester, I shadowed in the NICU and I KNEW that was my calling.

Luckily I got hired in the NICU straight out of school, and honestly, I felt like I hadn't even gone to nursing school! Everything was completely different. I spent my entire last semester of school in Ortho, and absolutely nothing transferred over.

I am still extremely sensitive, but when I see sad things I don't crumple in to a heap and bawl my eyes out. I tear up a lot when I see sad things or the worst for me is when I see and hear mothers crying. I give then a hug, comfort them, and if a tear or two falls then so be it. I had a baby code and afterwards I cried in front of MANY people. I just couldn't help it. They were understanding and encouraging. Also remember that sad things aren't going to happen every single day you work.

I love my job more than anything and do not want to do anything else. If you really want to pursue NICU, I say go for it!

NICU_babyRN, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2011

GO TO NICU! You will most likely regret it if you go to an ortho floor! and getting a job in the NICU is tough. So if you have the opportunity go with it!

You WILL have to find inner strength to deal with the heart breaking days. but those don't come around nearly as much as the discharge to home days!

Shanlee79 · Jan 22, 2011

I vote NICU as well. I worried the same thing before entering my preceptorship there but you never know how you'll handle things until given that chance. What you do know is if you're willing to take the chance in getting your heart broken. Which I was. IMO, I found my experiences on adult units to be just as sad if not more so, especially when constantly dealing with chronic issues & older pt's who are neglected in hospital care, with no family supports out there, etc.

Give it a shot. I agree with shadowing for a day. That's what I did. There is no harm in being a caring & compassionate nurse, but if it's not the right fit....you'll figure it out soon enough. Good luck!

Shanny246 · Jan 23, 2011

The more sensitive the better. My son spent a month in the NICU...and was admitted many times (not to the NICU, but to the hospital), the next 19 months till he passed. The nurses that inspired me to become a nurse were the sweet, sensitive ones. The ones that I felt safe leaving my baby boy with, the ones that held him, talked to him, and rocked him. They gave me a hug when I cried, and supported me through it all. You sound like you have the kind heart that is needed to work in the NICU.

ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN · Jan 23, 2011

Thanks everyone for all of your thoughtful responses. I have decided if given the opportunity, I am definitely going to take the NICU position!

kerussll · Jan 23, 2011

Yay! Congratulations

walkingrock, ADN · Jan 27, 2011

I started out in NICU as a new grad over 31 yrs ago. It wasn't my 1st choice, at the time, but it ended up being my niche! I've done other things for short periods of time, and have always gone back to NICU. Yes, it's hard; nursing is hard! You can do it. If you have the opportunity, go with it!

helicoptergal, BSN, RN · Jan 27, 2011

Speaking from some experience(2 years in a busy level 3-b) I think sensitivity is an asset in a NICU. Your not only taking care of the precious babies, but you are instrumental in setting the tone for the beginning of a new family. Sensitivity is a double edged sword. The mortality rate in a NICU is very low, but when it occurs it is hard and takes time to deal with. So only you will know if the NICU is the right place for you or not. You have to learn how to leave work at work, a concept I am still finding challenging. The day I stepped through the NICU doors I knew I would never leave! Good Luck!!

ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN · Jan 27, 2011

Guess what??? I got offered the fellowship!! I am so excited!!!

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement!!! :heartbeat:redbeathe:redpinkhe